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One of the great things about traveling to Puerto Rico is that you can experience the Caribbean flavor, food and weather without having to get a passport. Because Puerto Rico is a United States territory, U.S. citizens need only a photo I.D. (and a ticket) to board a plane to San Juan. What's more, it's easy to get to Puerto Rico. There are nonstop flights from many U.S. cities, including Miami, New York City and Atlanta. Once there, visitors are rewarded with a lush, tropical landscape; Spanish colonial history and architecture; and some of the best food and drink in the Caribbean.

Visit Old San Juan

Old San Juan, one of the first Spanish settlements in the Caribbean, is filled with colorful architecture and unexpected surprises. This historic neighborhood offers more than the usual tourist haunts, like El Morro and the designer outlet stores. Along the cobblestone streets, you'll find a former convent, El Convento, turned restaurant and inn, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or meal in an enclosed courtyard. Other interesting sights include la Forteleza, once a fortress and now the governor's mansion, and the 16th-century, Medieval-style Cathedral of San Juan, still a working parish.

El Yunque National Forest

Get a chance to see a real tropical rain forest at El Yunque. The 28,000-acre park is about 24 miles from San Juan and the only such forest in the United States. El Yunque is home to more than 240 species of plants, birds and animals, 26 of which are found nowhere else on earth. Visitors can enjoy these wonders on foot, on horseback or by enjoying a meal at one of the park's picnic areas. There is a modest admission charge, and discounts are offered to those 60 years and older and to children under 16 years old. El Yunque National Forest HC-01 Box 13490 Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 00745 787-888-1880 welcomepuertorico.org

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's fine art museum is in San Juan, between Old San Juan and the Condado resort area. This two-building museum is one of the largest in the Caribbean and features art by mostly local and Spanish artists from the 17th century to the present. The museum is surrounded by manicured gardens. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is open Tuesdays through Sundays. A modest admission fee is charged. Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico Avenida De Diego 299 Santurce, Puerto Rico 00909 787-977-6277 mapr.org

Rio Camuy Cave Park

Located about one hour west of San Juan, Rio Camuy Cave Park, a collection of limestone caves, is one of just a handful of spots in the world where you can see so many natural formations in one park. This 268-acre sight features cathedral cave with its ancient petroglyphs, the spiral sinkhole with its 205 steps leading to the bottom, and the 170-foot high Cueva Clara, accessible via tram. The park is open Wednesdays through Sundays, and facilities include a cafeteria, picnic area, gift shop and theater. Rio Camuy Cave Park Camuy, Puerto Rico 787-763-0568. gopuertorico.org

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About the Author

Sandy Mitchell is an Ohio-based writer, blogger and editor. She writes for "The Better Drink" and other online publications. Before devoting herself full-time to writing, Mitchell was a travel agent and cruise school instructor for 18 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Bowling Green State University.